The Blotter

Real-Life Slapstick: While carrying a ladder across the parking lot of a Central Avenue restaurant, a roofer slipped on a spot of oil, lost control of the ladder, and watched it as it crashed onto the roof of a car. The accident caused about $250 worth of damage to the car's hood, roof and windshield.

Hey, I Recognize That Dude: While walking along a downtown street, a man recognized the guy who had robbed him a few days earlier. The police were summoned, and after a short foot chase, the bad guy was caught and arrested.

Marital Bliss: A woman called police to report that her husband of six years keeps making "threatening bodily gestures" toward her and frightening her.

Vehicle Vandalism: While it was in the possession of an auto mechanic, a woman's car was broken into and the ignition switch damaged. The woman told police that the mechanic left her car unsecured in the parking lot, and that she had discovered the damage to her car : which totaled about $200 : only because she stopped by the garage to check on her vehicle.

Sorry Son: A woman reported that after she took some of her son's CDs, he became very angry, and proceeded to kick her in the thigh and punch her several times with a closed fist.

Invasion of the Key Snatcher: Someone stole a set of car keys from a woman's lap while she slept on a chair at a "friend's" house. The key thief then drove off with the woman's car : a late model Chevrolet valued at $500 : and has not been heard from or seen since.

A Smashing Good Time: The old "smash and grab," in which someone breaks a car window and steals whatever valuables are inside, is by far the most common Blotter report we come across : it's quick, easy, and even the most brain-dead crook can usually get away with it. So be forewarned, don't leave valuables in your car. Case in point: A man's car was broken into while parked at an apartment complex, and the crooks got away with stereo equipment, CDs, DVDs, video games, sunglasses and cash. The ill-gotten loot totaled nearly $1,500. In another case of smash and grab, a car was broken into while parked outside the owner's home, and the crooks got away with over $1,500 worth of golf clubs, as well as a $150 satellite radio.

Blotter items are chosen from the files of the Charlotte Police Department.